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How is closed cell foam poor insulation? It has an R-Value of approx 6-7 R per inch of thickness. 3 inches would provide an R-Value of approx 21 and would also

How is closed cell foam poor insulation? It has an R-Value of approx 6-7 R per inch of thickness. 3 inches would provide an R-Value of approx 21 and would also seal the container. At 3 inches of thickness it provides a barrier to moisture. There is no other insulation that even comes close. It also increases the structural integrity of the container by 200%. Containers are incredibly strong and some of the best insulated structures on the planet. Here is a good link for you to educate yourself about insulation. http://www.demilec.com/ http://www.demilec.com/ And another useful link for containers and all the different ways they can be utilized. http://www.gtgroupinc.com/container-sales/gallery/modified-containers/ http://www.gtgroupinc.com/container-sales/gallery/modified-c...

dpark 9y ago
You realize shipping containers don't typically have closed cell foam in them, right? Obviously you can add it. But you can add closed cell foam to any structure, and you can do it more cost effectively in a structure designed for insulation (and habitation). R-21 is also pretty low for the ceiling/roof in many climates. Also there's no way closed cell foam increases the strength of the container by 200% unless you're just talking about dent resistance. Adding foam as a moisture barrier is pretty amusing since moisture resistance is one thing shipping containers do have by default.
- Aloha 9y ago
  Refrigerated ones do generally have foam in them, of some sort.
  - dpark 9y ago
    Shipping containers are not typically refrigerated, though. At that point you need an electricity supply and you're getting away from the primary point of shipping containers, which is essentially "stack them and stick them on a boat for a month". Obviously refrigerated containers exist, but I think they're a pretty small minority and I don't think they are typically chosen for container home construction.
    - Aloha 9y ago
      As someone who used to drive trucks, they're actually quite common, and similarly proportional in numbers to refer trailers vs dry vans, which I want to say is 5-20% of the industry.
      - dpark 9y ago
        Interesting. I wonder what percentage of shipping containers actually reaches trucks though. A lot probably go to trains or get unloaded at the shipping yard.
        Aloha 9y ago
        Basically 100% You need a way to convey the can from the port (or railhead) to the receiver, and that is 100% by road, as you cant unload a can while its on the rail - cans are made to be put into a truck dock like a trailer.
  - wastedhours 9y ago
    Also, everything I've read about building one advises against using a refrigerated container - something about the lining that could lead to respiratory issues. Can't find a source at present, but was a big no-no when I was looking a few years back.
- hourislate 9y ago
  I don't think you understand that shipping containers are not moisture proof unless they are refers. There is a large percentage of containers that are already insulated. Like I said take some time to educate yourself about the container industry.
  - dpark 9y ago
    I didn't say shipping containers were "moisture proof". I said that they are moisture resistant. Shipping containers are designed to preserve cargo during shipping. While many shipping containers might not be 100% weathertight, they will be pretty close. Steel walls are absolutely water-impermeable, so the only areas needing a moisture barrier would be the doors and any incompletely-welded joints. The biggest concern is probably with condensation [1], not exterior air infiltration. I kind of get the impression you're trying to present yourself as an expert but don't have any meaningful knowledge in this area. The "educate yourself" condescension is a telltale sign. People who actually have knowledge and take the time to comment generally use the opportunity to actually share knowledge. I'd really like it if you could point me to some supporting info for your impressive claim that 3 inches of closed-cell foam will increase the structural integrity of a shipping container by 200%. Here's a chance to share your expertise. [1] http://pentalvercontainersales.com/waterproof.html http://pentalvercontainersales.com/waterproof.html

dpark 9y ago

You realize shipping containers don't typically have closed cell foam in them, right? Obviously you can add it. But you can add closed cell foam to any structure, and you can do it more cost effectively in a structure designed for insulation (and habitation). R-21 is also pretty low for the ceiling/roof in many climates. Also there's no way closed cell foam increases the strength of the container by 200% unless you're just talking about dent resistance. Adding foam as a moisture barrier is pretty amusing since moisture resistance is one thing shipping containers do have by default.

Aloha 9y ago
Refrigerated ones do generally have foam in them, of some sort.
- dpark 9y ago
  Shipping containers are not typically refrigerated, though. At that point you need an electricity supply and you're getting away from the primary point of shipping containers, which is essentially "stack them and stick them on a boat for a month". Obviously refrigerated containers exist, but I think they're a pretty small minority and I don't think they are typically chosen for container home construction.
  - Aloha 9y ago
    As someone who used to drive trucks, they're actually quite common, and similarly proportional in numbers to refer trailers vs dry vans, which I want to say is 5-20% of the industry.
    - dpark 9y ago
      Interesting. I wonder what percentage of shipping containers actually reaches trucks though. A lot probably go to trains or get unloaded at the shipping yard.
      - Aloha 9y ago
        Basically 100% You need a way to convey the can from the port (or railhead) to the receiver, and that is 100% by road, as you cant unload a can while its on the rail - cans are made to be put into a truck dock like a trailer.
- wastedhours 9y ago
  Also, everything I've read about building one advises against using a refrigerated container - something about the lining that could lead to respiratory issues. Can't find a source at present, but was a big no-no when I was looking a few years back.
hourislate 9y ago
I don't think you understand that shipping containers are not moisture proof unless they are refers. There is a large percentage of containers that are already insulated. Like I said take some time to educate yourself about the container industry.
- dpark 9y ago
  I didn't say shipping containers were "moisture proof". I said that they are moisture resistant. Shipping containers are designed to preserve cargo during shipping. While many shipping containers might not be 100% weathertight, they will be pretty close. Steel walls are absolutely water-impermeable, so the only areas needing a moisture barrier would be the doors and any incompletely-welded joints. The biggest concern is probably with condensation [1], not exterior air infiltration. I kind of get the impression you're trying to present yourself as an expert but don't have any meaningful knowledge in this area. The "educate yourself" condescension is a telltale sign. People who actually have knowledge and take the time to comment generally use the opportunity to actually share knowledge. I'd really like it if you could point me to some supporting info for your impressive claim that 3 inches of closed-cell foam will increase the structural integrity of a shipping container by 200%. Here's a chance to share your expertise. [1] http://pentalvercontainersales.com/waterproof.html http://pentalvercontainersales.com/waterproof.html